Geriatric psychosocial problems are prevalent and significantly affect the physical health and overall well-being of older adults. Geriatrics fellows require psychosocial education, and yet to date, geriatrics fellowship programs have not developed a comprehensive geriatric psychosocial curriculum. Fellowship programs in the New York tristate area…

We considered whether positive and stable self-stereotypes of stigmatized group members can influence functioning (in contrast, stereotype threat theory suggests these influential self-stereotypes are limited to ones that are negative and situational). Specifically, we examined older individuals' positive age stereotypes after a life-threatening…

Examined the relationship between age and perceived health status in 660 adults. Number of symptoms was the strongest predictor of perceived health status employed in this analysis, followed by age, education, and race. Persons over 60 tend to perceive their own health in a significantly more positive fashion. (Author/JAC)

Evaluated 150 geriatric medical inpatients for psychological dysfunction. Found 27.3 percent of subjects had at least one psychological disorder and 15.3 percent of total sample had a depressive disorder. Comorbid depression was associated with greatest level of psychological distress and dysfunction, and with poorest physical health status.…

Examined the family supports of 167 post-hospitalized older adults as they varied by the relationship of the primary caregiver. The findings indicated that the most comprehensive and unstressful support was provided by a spouse. Family members were available in serial order rather than acting as a shared-functioning unit. (JAC)

This brief speech discusses the correlation between nutrition and health among older adults. Food habits of older people do not always fall in line with their food needs and health condition. Therefore, there is a need to establish nutrition programs to help older adults, as well as others, learn how to regulate their diet. The speaker challenges…

Surveyed young adults (N=74) on attitudes toward aging and perceptions of parental health. Ratings of relatively unfavorable parental health were associated with greater anxiety toward personal and peers' aging. No association was evident with general attitudes toward the elderly. Sex and self-ratings of health also were predictors of attitudes.…